Revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive

Covering some 52 000 large agro-industrial installations EU-wide, the Industrial Emissions Directive is the main EU instrument regulating industrial pollutant emissions. The proposal for a revision, tabled in April 2022, seeks to bring it into line with the EU's zero pollution ambition, energy, climate and circular economy policy goals under the European Green Deal. The main changes include expanding its scope, strengthening permit requirements, and adding measures to foster innovation. Stakeholders' reactions were mixed: industry and farming representatives expressed concerns about the proposal's added complexity, timeliness and practical implementation. Non-governmental organisations criticised the missed opportunity to make the directive fit for climate protection, and the proposed new regime for intensive livestock rearing. The European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the file on 29 November 2023. The agreed text was endorsed by Member State representatives on 15 December 2023 and by Parliament's Environment Committee on 11 January 2024. It now awaits formal adoption by the co-legislators. The vote in plenary is scheduled for the March 2024 session. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.